Napa cabbage -- initial preparation

[HydroRaw]

Just a quick question -- how can Napa cabbage be washed prior to shredding in the food processor as the leaves are tightly compact. I would hate to break up the cabbage just to wash the leaves. That would make the shredding process a bit more difficult if you get my drift. One possible option is to soak the entire head in a large bowl of water. Is this approach going to be sufficient in terms of cleaning out the impurities? Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Stina]

I'd immerse something like that in my salad spinner then spin dry it, repeat as many times as necessary, then shred it with my food processor. Nothing ruins a meal like grit!

[raven]

You do need to break the leaves off to wash them thoroughly. You can then spin them dry and shred them in the processor. It shouldn't be anymore difficult to shred the leaves once you've separated them from the base. I think that's what you're asking.

Suzy

[HydroRaw]

Thanks for your responses!

Maybe I didn't make myself clear in my initial post. I intend to use a slicing disc that comes with the food processor. You know it is not that easy to really shred cabbage unless it is still compact. If I have to break individual leaves off to wash, then how the heck am I going to shred without making a mess? I have seen people using a mandoline to shred a head of cabbage that is still intact. It makes me wonder how they wash the cabbage prior to shredding. Please know that I have no intention of washing cabbage after shredding as valuable vitamins and minerals tend to get washed away that way.

In any rate, I did some thinking and decided to wash the cabbage leaves beforehand and then chopped them by hand. It might be a bit more labor-intensive, but at least, the cabbage will be clean for consumption. In case you are wondering Napa cabbage is used for, I am making Kim Chi.

Have a rawsome day!